36 Easy Summer Hairstyles That Are Trending in 2024

If you’re feeling inspired to shake up your styling routine this summer, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of easy hairstyles that are trending this summer. Whether you want to elevate your summer ‘do with bright accessories or prefer to lean into protective hairstyles, these 36 looks will help get you through the season in style.

What Hairstyle Is Best for Summer?

While there’s no single best hairstyle for summer 2024, there are a few looks you’ll probably want to keep in your styling rotation. Hairstyles that get your hair out of your face and off your neck are often go-to picks when dealing with scorching temperatures and high humidity.

Classic summer hairstyles include casual updos, buns, ponytails, pigtails, and braids. They should look effortless and stylish but not be overly time-consuming. Many people love to incorporate claw clips, barrettes, butterfly clips, and colorful scarves as a way to upgrade their looks.

Good hair day by @hairbynoellelucy

Which Hairstyles Are On-Trend This Summer?

This summer, we can expect to see many of spring’s biggest hair trends continuing—especially retro looks like bouncy ‘90s blowouts and bubbly ponytails. The “wet look” will also still be trending this summer, with many celebrities and influencers continuing to embrace the mermaid-esque style.

Newer trends to look out for this summer include sleek, braided ponytails‘90s-inspired chunky headbands, twisted buns, layered braids, and easy updos with claw clips and tendrils. When in doubt, there are also a few cute summer hairstyles that never go out of style—like messy buns, classic French twists, or textured, beachy waves.

Summer Hairstyles for Short Hair

Good hair day by @momobabes

Chunky ‘90s Headband

One trend you can expect to see everywhere this summer is ‘90s-era chunky fabric headbands. These headbands are perfect for sweaty summer days when you can’t deal with your hair hanging in your face. Plus, they’re super-versatile and look great with any hair texture—especially natural curls and coils.

Good hair day by @pati.rodrigz

Voluminous Pixie

If you’re sporting a short pixie haircut this summer, try experimenting with volume. Starting with damp hair, apply a volumizing mousse—like Matrix Setter Mousse—to your strands and comb through with a wide-tooth comb. Blow dry your hair, then create flat iron curls (curling away from your face). To finish the look, apply Matrix Overachiever 3-in-1 and add a few spritzes of Matrix Fixer Hairspray.

Oversized Barrettes

Short hair always pairs well with cute accessories, like oversized barrettes. These trendy hair accessories are one of the fastest and easiest ways to elevate any summer hairstyle—just style your mane, clip in some barrettes, and you’re ready for a summertime adventure.

Good hair day by @britblends

Loose Waves

Loose, casual waves look great with any short haircut, but they’re especially flattering on chunky, layered bobs. For this summer style, begin by spritzing your mane with a heat protectant spray, then curl 1-inch sections of hair around a curling wand or flat iron (like L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod). To finish, reach for a texturizing spray—we personally love the Redken Beach Spray for beachy texture and volume.

Flipped-Out Ends

Channel the ‘60s this summer with flipped-out ends (a.k.a the “hair flip”). This playful hairstyle is currently very on-trend, and it’s simple to recreate on short hair. To get the look, follow the tutorial in this article: How To Style Flipped Out Ends Like a Pro.

Good hair day by @ellendevinehair

Glass Hair

Fight back against frizz this summer with the glass hair trend. This glossy look instantly elevates short haircuts like blunt bobs, asymmetrical lobs, and kitty cuts. Creating the sleek, smooth style is simple if you have the right shine-boosting products—we recommend Redken Shine Flash Spray and Kérastase Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Chroma Gloss.

Textured Low Pigtails

Flaunt your natural hair texture this summer with textured pigtails. This hairstyle features a sleek, slicked-back middle part with two low pigtails on each side of your head (near the nape of your neck). You can style these adorable pigtails half-up half-down, if that’s your vibe, or create two classic pigtails. Just be sure to use a strong-hold gel (like Matrix Controller Gel) when creating your slicked-down part to help tame any flyaways.

Good hair day by @jacobpritchard

Air-Dried Texture

The summer months are the ideal time to let your natural texture shine. To show off your natural curl pattern this summer, reach for styling products that help hydrate, refresh, and define your curls—like Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion. L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Curls Reviver Spray is also a great option for refreshing your curls between wash days.

Good hair day by @kellyawesomesauce

Mini Half-Up Fishtail

Nothing screams summer like a hairstyle inspired by mermaids—especially when paired with vibrant pastel hair colors. If you have hair that’s around shoulder-length (or you wear extensions), this half-up fishtail braid might be the perfect beach day look for you.

Good hair day by @iamdrbeauty

Textured Pony Hawk

This easy faux hawk will keep curly or coily strands looking great even on the hottest of summer days. The pony hawk creates the illusion of a mohawk on short strands and is super simple to create. It’s done by creating mini textured ponytails down the middle of your head, working your way from front to back until you reach the nape of your neck. If you’re growing out your hair, this ‘do can also give you enough length to play with different protective summer hairstyles, like Senegalese twists.

Summer Hairstyles for Mid-Length Hair

Good hair day by @hairdotcom (+ @shaniachristinad)

Wet Hair Look

The wet hair look has been having a moment lately, with influencers and celebrities alike showing off smooth, frizz-free strands. This trendy style is easy to recreate, and, best of all, it keeps flyaways out of your face.

You’ll need to layer a few products onto damp hair to really maintain a weappearance all day long. This could include gel, cream, pomade, and hairspray, but the right combination depends on your hair type and texture. Head to our wet look hairstyle guide for more tips on how to perfect this summer style.

Windblown Waves

Windblown waves are a timeless style that can leave you feeling like you just stepped off the beach. To create the look on naturally wavy, medium-length hair, apply Mizani Lived-In Finishing Spray on second-day (or third-day) hair, scrunch, and let your natural texture work its magic.

Good hair day by @curlsbybebonia

Curly Extensions

Add some extra oomph to your curls this summer with curly clip-in extensions. Whether you have defined S-shaped curls or loose ringlets, clip-in extensions now come in a variety of inclusive options for all types of textured hair.

Good hair day by @hannahhairuk

Half-Up Side French Braid

This effortless French braid style is one of our favorites for summer weddings and events. For more elegant occasions, add some flowers or a gold hair accessory to give your look an extra air of sophistication.

Good hair day by @parisrosehairartistry

Flipped Bun

Here’s one for days when you’re in a hurry but still want to look stylish and put together. When creating a flipped bun, pull your hair only halfway through the elastic—leaving the ends of your hair free. Then, let down a couple face-framing tendrils and finish with a few spritzes of Matrix Builder Wax Spray for some beachy, undone texture.

Good hair day by @kristina.manners

Retro Side Part Ponytail

Bouncy, retro ponytails with curled ends are another trendy look you can expect to see everywhere this summer. Pair this fun, feminine hairstyle with a deep side part and some colorful hair clips, then finish the look with Matrix High Amplify Proforma Hairspray.

Scarf Headband

Scarves can be styled so many different ways, which makes them the perfect summertime accessory. They’re great for adding a fun pop of color to any slicked-back ponytail, braid, or sweat-proof summer style. You can also use them to help disguise bad hair days—just tie a scarf around the top half of your head as a bandana or try tying your hair up in a protective headwrap.

Good hair day by @honeyhairandco_

Space Buns

Space buns are a must-have hairstyle for summer festivals and events. This youthful look can be styled in many different ways, from casual half-up buns to more intricate braided double buns. There’s a space bun look for everyone, so don’t write off this playful look until you try it.

Good hair day by @lamajbackwards

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots (a.k.a Zulu knots) are a great way to help protect coily hair this summer. The hairstyle has been around for centuries, with roots dating back centuries to the African Zulu tribes. When sporting this look, it’s important to keep your knots (and scalp) hydrated and nourished. We recommend picking up Kérastase Initialiste Hair & Scalp Serum and Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Hair Oil to do just that.

Good hair day by @midnighthair913

Hair Tinsel

This glittery, fairycore hair trend has been all over social media lately, and it’s not hard to see why. Adding shimmery, luminescent extensions throughout your strands is the perfect way to get creative with your locks this summer. Try adding hair tinsel to your mane at home using this easy tutorial.

Good hair day by @fernyzambrana

Glossy Low Bun

Keep it classy this summer (while keeping your strands out of your face) with a sleek, sophisticated low bun. This classic hairdo never goes out of style, and it’s one of the best ways to keep a frizzy mane under control. Just be sure to use a hair gel, like the Redken Max Sculpting Gel, for lasting control and a glossy, shiny finish.

Good hair day by @alexandralee1016

Milkmaid Braids

For those seeking a romantic, classy hairstyle for medium-length hair, try this easy braided updo. This style works great on thin hair that lacks body and volume. To create the look, start by creating two braided pigtails and secure each braid with a clear elastic. Next, bring one braid up across your part and pin it up near your ear. Repeat on the other side, then gently pull the braids apart for a loose, casual finish.

Summer Hairstyles for Long Hair

Good hair day by @esterrufinomakehair

Dutch Braids

Dutch braids give off a stylish, youthful, and playful vibe that will remind you of your favorite childhood summers. To get the look, follow the seven steps in this Dutch braid tutorial.

Good hair day by @braidsbunsandbeauty

Waterfall Braid

This boho look is sure to impress at summertime concerts, weekend getaways, and any other photo-worthy occasion. It features a loose waterfall braid (which looks like a half French braid) that cascades down the back of your hair. The look tends to pair best with natural waves and texture, so don’t forget to grab a texturizing product when creating this hairstyle—we recommend Pureology Style + Protect Texture Finishing Spray. Although it may look intimidating at first, our waterfall braid tutorial breaks it all down step by step.

Good hair day by @guidopalau

Sleek Top Knot

The slicked-back top knot is a staple when it comes to summertime hairstyles. This look strikes the perfect balance between edgy and practical, making it ideal for any occasion. It also flatters all face shapes and hair types, so pretty much anyone can pull off this sleek style. Start by applying Pureology Style + Protect Shine Bright Taming Serum on damp strands, create a slicked-back ponytail, and twist your hair around the base. Then, pin your top knot into place using bobby pins and spritz with a strong-hold hairspray (like Matrix Vavoom Triple Freeze Extra Dry).

Good hair day by @hairbylunabelle

Butterfly Clips

Embrace your inner ‘90s girl with butterfly hair accessories. There’s no right or wrong way to wear these adorable hair clips—simply add them to any of your favorite summer hairstyles.

Good hair day by @deecurlthusiast

Coquette Bubble Braid

If you need a cute summer hairstyle between wash days, try this coquette bubble braid. Pull your hair back into a ponytail and tie elastics every few inches down the length of the ponytail to create your “bubbles.” Then, separate the hair a bit between each elastic, and add some flirty coquette hair ribbons to finish the look.

Good hair day by @emmybucher

Pull-Through Pigtails

There are so many fun ways to style pigtails, and we’re currently obsessing over these bubble pigtails. This adorable hairstyle stays in place all day long, making it the perfect hairstyle for any summer event.

Good hair day by @hairbylunabelle

Mermaid Accessories

You can channel your inner mermaid this summer without committing to a fantasy hair color or learning how to create a fishtail braid. Try adding some mermaid-inspired accessories to any cute summer hairstyle, like seashell hair clips, aqua-colored hair tinsel, or starfish bobby pins.

Good hair day by @hairbybradleyleake

Sleek Braided Ponytail

Sleek braided ponytails are one of the trendiest looks this summer, and they’re super easy to create. All you need to do is pull your hair back into a slicked-back ponytail, braid the ponytail, and secure it with an elastic. We recommend playing with different hair parts and ponytail heights to find your favorite variation of this style.

Good hair day by @kgm.hair

Claw Clip

It’s hard to go wrong with claw clips—they’re a quick and easy way to keep your strands looking tidy and stylish with almost no effort. We recommend keeping a few of these clips handy in different colors, sizes, and shapes, so you can match any summertime look.

Good hair day by @sayjayjohnson

Fox Flip Hair

Iconic hairstyles from the 1970s have been making a comeback lately, from rock-and-roll wolf cuts to the voluminous fox flip hair trend. Fox flip hair is achieved by flipping your strands away from your face while blow-drying. This retro look often features long, face-framing layers (and optional curtain bangs) to bring serious movement and bounce to your mane. Get the look using this tutorial.

Good hair day by @anggwells

Messy Bun Updo

Throw your hair up into a messy bun and leave some pieces out around your face for a foolproof daily look. Before styling your messy bun, work some of the Redken Full Volume Mousse through your strands for added volume, medium hold, and humidity protection.

Good hair day by @hairbybradleyleake

Scrunched Beach Waves

Beach waves look gorgeous all year long, but they are undoubtedly one of the most iconic summer hairstyles. If your hair is naturally wavy, simply spray a texturizing finishing spray onto second-day hair and scrunch to achieve the perfect beachy wave look.

Twisted Half-Up Crown

Another boho-chic style for long hair is the twisted half-up crown. Starting on one side of your head, gather a 2-inch section of hair near your temple and split the section in two. Then, twist the two pieces around each other (creating a rope pattern) and secure the hair at the back of your head with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side, add a few spritzes of hairspray, and you’re all set!

Good hair day by @colorwithgracea

If you want to achieve beach waves on straight hair, try curling your mane with a flat iron. We recommend leaving one to two inches out at the bottom of each section to get that loose, beachy wave look. For more tips, head to our flat iron hair tutorial to learn how to create flawless waves every time. (If you don’t have long hair, you can still create this flowing style with the help of clip-in extensions.)

Next Up: 35 Best CutHairstyles You Can Easily Achieve At Home

Header photo credit (left to right): @hairbynoellelucy & @hairbylunabelle